Vision for Tomorrow: Advancing eye healthcare through digital technology in Zambia
Situation:
Zambia is experiencing significant challenges within its healthcare system. The eye care sector suffers from a critical shortage of human resources, inadequate routine monitoring, and limited financial resources. These systemic deficiencies result in restricted access to eye care services, especially in rural regions where healthcare infrastructure is sparse.
Objectives:
Improving access to eye health services in the Copperbelt region of Zambia using digital technology
- Number of individuals reached through community and school screening programs (target: 54,000)
- Number of people referred for specialized diagnosis through telemedicine (target: 2,000 annually).
- Number of people receiving eye health services, including surgeries and refractions (target: 5,000 annually).
- Procure License and Annual Subscription Fees for the Peek-powered Program
- Training in the Use of Peek Technology for Selected Mid-Level Ophthalmic Staff and Community Health Workers
- Community and School Screening Programs in the Three Districts
- Community awareness campaigns
- Implement handover plan for local ownership
- Procure Equipment for Telemedicine for Base Hospital and Two Secondary Eye Units
- Training on the Use of Internet-Enabled Slit Lamps for Teleconsultation for Ophthalmic Staff
- Facilitate Referrals from School and Community Screening Sites to Teleconsultation Sites and Tertiary Facilities
- Conduct Refractions
- Conduct Eye Health Surgeries
- Onsite Technical Support and Mentoring by KTEH Staff for Chingola and Mpongwe District Eye Health Staff
CBM has established a robust partnership with the Ministry of Health through a long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which integrates eye care projects into the national healthcare system. This partnership ensures that eye care initiatives, including the use of Peek technology, are embedded within routine government services, providing a foundation for sustainability and scalability. After the grant funded project ends, Peek will provide the Peek software and platform to the country government for the region in which the programme is running in at zero cost. This will be provided, alongside zero cost application support and regular software updates, on the condition that the government maintains a Peek certified Core Team of staff and makes a written commitment to continue supporting vision services. In addition to the integration of Peek technology, the installation of telemedicine equipment in secondary centres, such as Kitwe Teaching Eye Hospital and other district eye units, ensures that teleconsultation services can continue beyond the project's lifespan. A comprehensive handover plan will be implemented. This plan includes transferring knowledge and skills to local healthcare providers through training and mentoring programs, establishing partnerships with local hospitals and clinics, and involving community leaders in promoting ongoing eye care services.
The innovative aspect of the project is the introduction of two complementary digital technologies to improve access to eye care services in three districts of Zambia. The Peek (Portable Eye Examination Kit) smartphone app for mobile eye testing is used for mass eye examinations and supports the referral pathway and follow-up care for identified treatment needs. To avoid unnecessary referrals to Kitwe tertiary hospital, telemedicine equipment (digital slit lamps for teleconsultation) is being introduced in two districts to enable remote diagnosis in real time by Kitwe tertiary eye hospital.
Further information here.
